Form C4
Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
1. Course
Code
B17CA
2. Course
Title
Principles of Chemistry
3. SCQF 7
4. Credits 15
Level
6. Course
Chemistry Teaching Group Convener
Co-ordinator
5. School
EPS
7. Delivery:
Location &
Semester
Edin x
SBC
Orkney
Dubai
IDL
Collaborative Partner
Approved Learning Partner
Sem…1
Sem…….
Sem………..
Sem……..
Sem….
Name…………………….....Sem..…...
Name …………………………………Sem………..
8. Pre-requisites
SQA Higher Chemistry minimum Grade C or the equivalent
9. Linked Courses
(specify if synoptic)
10. Excluded Courses
11. Replacement Courses
B17CB (synoptic)
Code:
12. Degrees for which
this is a core course
Date Of Replacement:
13. The course may be
delivered to:
UG only
x
PG only
UG & PG
All chemistry UG degrees, all chem. eng UG degrees
14. Available as an Elective?
Yes x
No
15. Aims
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16.
describe elementary ideas of stoichiometry in chemical reactions
provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts of atomic structure
introduce the basic concepts of chemical bonding and the structure of molecules
give a broad overview of the kinds of structure, stoichiometry and reactivity of compounds of Main Group elements
provide an introduction to basic organic chemistry
introduce the molecular structures of simple organic compounds
describe a variety of organic compounds containing different functional groups
Syllabus
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Stoichiometry – balancing chemical equations ; chemical reactions - in aqueous solution, acid base reactions, redox reactions and oxidation numbers, balancing redox
equations using half reactions in acidic and basic solutions; the mole and determination of molecular formula.
Atomic Structure – the Rutherford model; the wave-particle duality of light; atomic spectroscopy, the Bohr model; quantum mechanics; Schrödinger wave equation;
atomic orbitals; H-like and multi-electron species; core and valence orbitals; Periodic Table, periodicity in atomic radius and ionisation energy.
Molecular Shape and Chemical Bonding – covalent bonding; the octet rule, valency, single and multiple bonds, bond polarity; Lewis structures of molecules,
exceptions to the octet rule, bond order / bond length / bond energy; geometry and shape, VSEPR, inert pair effects; molecular shape and molecular dipole, Valence
Bond theory; hybrid orbitals, VB constructions, introduction to Molecular Orbital theory.
Main Group Chemistry – Elemental abundance and physical form ; definition of main group elements ; valence orbital availability ; properties of main group
compounds.
Descriptive chemistry – of hydrogen, the halogens, oxygen and sulfur.
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Form C4

Version 4.0 (2010/2011)
Heriot-Watt University - Course Descriptor Template
Organic Chemistry – structure and bonding of simple organic compounds and an introduction to the common functional groups found in organic chemistry such as
alkyl halides, alcohols and alkenes, their reactivity and synthesis. Introduction to curly arrow mechanism - substitution, elimination and addition reactions.
17. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Skills
On completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic principles of atomic theory
 Analyse, evaluate and interpret experimental evidence relating to atomic structure
 Use fundamental principles to solve both qualitative and numerical problems
 Describe the main types of chemical bonding as they relate to the structure of matter
 Predict the structure and geometry of covalent compounds
 Balance chemical equations by applying the basic rules of reaction stoichiometry
 Discuss the range of compounds formed by the Main Group elements in the Periodic Table
 Describe the bonding of simple organic compounds and discuss the nature of the common functional groups in organic chemistry
 Appreciate the evolving nature of knowledge and understanding, informed by research work, in a chemical context
Personal Abilities
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others
Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the course. The course provides the opportunity to:
 Demonstrate numerical, graphical and problem-solving skills in a range of areas
 Manage time effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
 Communicate complex ideas and information effectively to a group of peers
 Use ICT skills with on-line materials, assessments (formative and summative) and web links to support the learning process
 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
 Practise the use of standard methods in the solution of routine chemical problems within familiar contexts
 Exercise some initiative and independence in carrying out defined activities at a professional level
 Work with groups of peers to discuss chemical problems and identify solutions
18. Assessment Methods
19. Re-assessment Methods
Method
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic courses?
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
Synoptic Examination
Class Test
Continuous Assessment
3h
2h
Diet(s)
(if applicable)
50%
25%
25%
B17CB
Synoptic Exam (100%)
3h
3
20. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
24 Aug 2007
updated 26 Jun 2013
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Sep 2013
Version
Number
2/2
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